Draconid meteors

October’s Draconid meteor shower – sometimes called the Giacobinids – radiates from the fiery mouth of the northern constellation Draco the Dragon. Because the radiant is located so far north on the sky’s dome, this shower favors temperate and far-northern latitudes, such as the U.S., Canada, Europe and northern Asia.

This beautiful shot was captured by RichardTurnerPhotography of Flickr in early October, 2011. Usually, this meteor shower offers no more than a handful of languid meteors per hour. But two years ago – in October 2011 – people around the globe saw an elevated number of Draconid meteors, despite a bright moon that night. European observers saw over 600 meteors per hour in 2011. That’s one reason Richard was able to capture two in the same frame!!

Great shot, Richard. Thank you.

Everything you need to know: Draconid meteor shower

Tonight: Legendary Draconid meteors best after sunset October 7